Below are details and photographs from some of our 2009
walks (for larger images just click on the photos

January
20th - The walk was around the Shotesham area, taking in both
roadways, paths and very very muddy fields. A walk of
approximately five miles which culminated in lunch at the Globe
pub in Stoke Holy Cross.

February 3rd - The snow
of the previous day had virtually melted and so the walk around the
streets of Norwich went ahead. We looked at many of the rejuvenated areas
of the city and afterwards Peter wrote the following entry on his regular
internet blog which can be viewed at www.petersteward.org.uk

Wednesday 4th February

Yesterday
the walking group to which I belong had a nice five mile stroll around the
regenerated parts of Norwich. I know I'm biased in rating Norwich as one
of the most lovely cities in the country, but I have had my doubts over
the years with areas falling into disrepair.

But
the walk illustrated how much hard work is going on to regenerate the
area. The old hospital is being ripped down and replaced by tasteful
apartments. And tasteful is one of the key words. New buildings merge in
sympathetically with the old. Nowhere is this more evident then in the Fye
Bridge area where old warehouses have been replaced by new apartments that
blend in beautifully with historic buildings like the Merchant House.

Placing
the new in with the old has actually enhanced the city. Nobody would have
given the Merchant House a second glance when it was situated amongst
rotting buildings. Now, however, it stands out again. There are plans to
help pedestrians by building two more bridges over the River Wensum and
the riverside walk now covers much of the city and is very attractive.

If
anything Norwich seems to have modelled itself on York, which is no bad
thing. It is a shame that we are so far off the beaten track that we
receive relatively small numbers of visitors. For anybody reading this,
Norwich is now well worth a visit. It has two excellent shopping centres,
an award winning Forum building, a large outdoor market, two Cathedrals, a
Norman castle, a picturesque cobbled street in Elm Hill and any other
number of delights for walkers willing to look beyond the surface.

Click
on the images below to enlarge them (the images were taken at Pull's Ferry
and on the riverside walk at the back of Norwich Cathedral).

February 17th - Bright and
relatively warm weather in the midst of a very cold and wet winter
saw the group undertake a five mile walk around the Costessey area
arranged by Maureen. The walk took in urban areas as well as
woodland and ended with lunch at the Cherry Tree on Dereham Road,
Norwich.

March 3rd - A very pleasant walk around the Brooke
area organised by Peter and Helen and concluding with lunch at the local
cafe followed by the purchase (for many) of Spurgeons sausages.

March 31st - The Norfolk Broads around Ranworth was the
venue for this walk with Bill taking the photographs below. Click on them
to see a larger image.

April 14th Being the Easter break there was no walk

April 28th - Coffee at Hethersett Methodist Church was
followed by a walk round the fields and roads of Hethersett and the
Meltons and lunch at Hethersett Queen's Head

May 12th - A very pleasant walk around the Bowthorpe and
Earlham areas of Norwich with lunch at the Clock Tower (two roasts for
£10)

Below are photos by Bill Adcock of the walk at
Wroxham Barns in November.